Though Black Thought, Questlove & crew had already made an impression on audiences overseas, their second LP formally introduced their distinctive artistry to US hip-hop listeners.

‘The Tipping Point’ might not have been what fans envisioned a Roots album to be in 2004, but even a “pop” album by the legendary crew is better than most albums by other artists.

Not only is ‘Things Fall Apart’ arguably the best hip-hop album released in 1999, but it’s also one of the best hip-hop albums of the late ’90s, and the group’s strongest overall effort.

As a whole, The Roots’ fifth studio album spotlights Black Thought’s persistent lyrical mastery, as well as the band’s ability to push the envelope sonically and thematically.

Arguably one of the strongest albums to surface in 1996, The Legendary Roots Crew’s third studio affair is a focused project that’s unified in tone and heavy in musical versatility.

The Legendary Roots Crew’s ninth studio affair succeeds—where many other hip-hop albums fall short—in tackling the larger emotions associated with doing what’s necessary to survive.